Seasonal vs Skin vs Food Allergies

We all know someone who gets teary-eyed from the spring pollen, cannot eat certain foods or carries a pack of Benadryl wherever they go- allergies sure are a nightmare! 

Nearly every mammal on earth is susceptible to experiencing an allergic reaction. That includes horses, tigers, and- you guessed it, our dogs! 

As humans, we know how much inconvenience allergies can be to our everyday life. According to the National Library of Medicine, with an estimated 10-20% of dogs experiencing allergies at some point in their lives, our pups are on the same boat as us humans!

Allergies in Our Furry Friends

Our dogs can’t talk, so it’s up to us pet parents to ensure their needs are always being met. Unfortunately, many dogs’ allergies go unnoticed, with owners thinking that constant scratching and butt-dragging are “normal dog things.” We’re here to inform dog parents about the little things that often go unnoticed and how they affect our furry friends.

Signs your Dog Has Allergies

Like in humans, allergies in our dogs come in varying forms. Depending on the kind of allergy your dog has, which we’ll discuss shortly, your pup’s symptoms will land somewhere on an extensive scale. Let’s go over a few of the most common symptoms of allergies in our pets:

• Constant itchy, irritated, or flaky skin
• Coughing and sneezing
• Runny discharge in the eyes or nose
• Butt dragging across the floor
• “Doggie acne-” pimples, blackheads, or cysts on the skin
• Frequent vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Chronic yeast infections in the paws or ears

Allergies occur in our pets when their immune system overreacts to a foreign substance. The symptoms we may see in our pups result from their immune systems overreacting, being more harmful to your pup than the allergen itself.

What Causes My Dog’s Allergies?

Allergies can be triggered by many different substances, which can be sorted into three more significant concepts: seasonal allergies, skin allergies, and food allergies. Any of these can be brought upon by genetics, sickness, or even overexposure. 

Seasonal Allergies: 

As the name implies, seasonal allergies usually come and go as the weather changes. Dogs with seasonal allergies commonly experience reactions to pollens, mold, and other environmental factors. You may notice that your dog becomes itchy and gets irritated skin during certain times of the year, especially the spring and summer months.

While flea allergies don’t precisely fit in the “seasonal allergies” category, there is a definite influx in reactions when summer months come around. This is because fleas thrive in hot, humid weather. Aside from allergies, fleas can cause a wide range of health issues for your dog, which is why avoiding them altogether is in the best interest of your pup. 

Read more: Natural Flea Remedies for Dogs

Skin Allergies: 

Skin allergies, or canine allergic dermatitis, are usually caused by skin sensitivities in dogs. If your dog is a breed with little to no hair, they are especially prone to developing skin allergies at some point in their life. These skin sensitivities can even worsen environmental allergies since your pup’s body is extra sensitive.

Food Allergies: 

Food allergies are probably the most common allergies in our dogs. These allergies are mainly caused by the improper intake of specific proteins, causing dogs to react to them over time. 

An example of this would be how many dogs are allergic to the proteins used in kibble- this is because they artificially intake these proteins, harming the body and causing their immune system to backfire on it.

How to Treat Your Dog’s Allergies

While allergies are stubborn and a challenge to get rid of, there are still many ways to treat and possibly cure them. For each category of allergies, there are different ways to treat them. Let’s break it down:

Treating Your Dog’s Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are one of the more difficult allergies to treat. This is because, for the most part, your dog’s allergies are triggered by your surroundings and environment. 

Using natural remedies like oatmeal and aloe vera, you can soothe your dog’s skin while applying holistic antibiotics. Most of all, feeding your dog a proper diet is a key to treating all allergies: and that includes seasonal, skin, and food allergies.

We recommend feeding your dog a 100% natural, raw diet. This will help with seasonal allergies because the complete and balanced diet will allow your dog’s body to respond to common allergens appropriately. It will also provide your dog with many probiotics, enhancing their gut health and mild gastrointestinal symptoms.

Treating Your Dog’s Skin Allergies

Skin allergies look different for many dogs: some develop harsh rashes, and others experience painful acne that won’t stop flaring up. Either way, skin allergies are a painful experience for our dogs.

Luckily, there are many naturally soothing remedies we can apply to our pup’s skin. Vitamin E and fish oils are both nutrients proven to enhance human skin, being highly beneficial to our dogs’ skin. At Cali Raw, we include both of these valuable ingredients in some of our raw dog food formulas.

You can also treat your pup’s skin externally, using natural antibiotics like diluted apple cider vinegar for acne and cysts. For more dry skin, applying aloe vera is a way to moisturize and soothe your pup’s skin.

Treating Your Dog’s Food Allergies

Food allergies are often misconstrued- as mentioned earlier, many owners believe that their dog is allergic to a particular protein when the dog is allergic to the harsh chemicals accompanying it in kibble.

The most effective way to treat your dog’s food allergies is by switching to a fresher diet- one without excessive fillers and artificial ingredients. A raw diet is optimal for dogs, free of harmful ingredients and packed with the good stuff. 

Feeding a healthy diet doesn’t end at dinnertime- your pup’s treats are just as important. If you’re feeding clean food, it’s best to switch to clean treats too! At Crafted Dog Treats, every treat is 100% single-ingredient, human-grade, and naturally produced. 

A Few More of our Tips

• Avoid giving your dog apoquel. While traditional veterinarians commonly prescribe it, the effects on your pup’s long-term health aren’t worth it. Read more about the drawbacks of apoquel for dogs here.
• If your dog has seasonal allergies, avoid taking them out in the early morning or late afternoon since this is when pollen levels are highest.
• Avoid highly medicated shampoos when bathing your pup, as these can irritate your dog’s skin.
• If natural remedies aren’t effective, take your dog to a holistic or integrative veterinarian. They will work with you towards preventative measures rather than loading your dog with medications and harsh side effects.
• Switch to a 100% natural diet, including treats!